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GM Crops 

21 Jul 2023 GM Crops 

Posted at 06:58h in Daily current-affairs by
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This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “GM Crops”. The topic “GM Crops” has relevance in the “Science and Technology” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What are GM Crops? Their Legal Status 

For Mains:

GS3: Science and Technology- Biotechnology 

Why in the news?

Activists recently petitioned the Supreme Court to ban GM food crops, specifically Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), due to a number of concerns.

 

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

  • According to WHO, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms (plants, animals, or microorganisms) whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or natural recombination. 
  • This technology is known as “modern biotechnology,” “gene technology,” “recombinant DNA technology,” or “genetic engineering.”
  • It enables the transfer of selected genes between organisms, even from unrelated species. 
  • Genetic engineering aims to cross the genus barrier by introducing an alien gene into seeds to achieve specific outcomes. 
  • The alien gene could come from a plant, an animal, or even a soil bacterium. 
  • Foods produced from or using GM organisms are commonly referred to as GM foods. GM variants of maize, canola, and soybean are widely available worldwide.

 

GM Crops in India

Bt Cotton

  • Bt cotton is a genetically modified crop that contains two genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These genes produce a protein that is toxic to the common insect pink bollworm. 
  • The only GM crop that is allowed in India is Bt cotton .

HTBt cotton

  • HTBt cotton is a genetically modified (GM) cotton variety that is resistant to the herbicide glyphosate. This means that farmers can use glyphosate to kill weeds without harming the cotton plants. 
  • HTBt cotton has been shown to increase yields and reduce pesticide use. 
  • But, there are concerns about the environmental impact of HTBt cotton, and it is not yet approved for commercial cultivation in India. 
  • However, there is some illegal cultivation of HTBt cotton in India.

Bt Brinjal

  • The Bt brinjal plant has a gene that allows it to resist fruit and shoot borer infestations. 
  • The government has previously delayed the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) mustard due to strong opposition from NGOs and anti-GM campaigners.

GM Mustard

  • The Delhi University Center for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants created DMH (Dhara Mustard Hybrid)-11, a genetically modified mustard variety. 
  • To develop a GM crop, biotechnologists insert specific genes at a random location in the DNA of a plant. 
  • The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) approved the environmental release of Mustard DMH-11.
  • Mustard is India’s top crop for edible oil production.

Advantages of GM Crops

  • It increases crop yields and farmer profits.
  • It reduces the use of pesticides and insecticides, which can help to improve food security.
  • It can help to feed a growing population due to its high yields.
  • It can increase the productivity of small farms.

Disadvantages of GM Crops

  • The production of genetically modified (GM) crops poses a high risk of disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity because the “better” traits produced from engineered genes can result in the favoring of one organism over others. This can lead to the extinction of other species and the disruption of the food chain. 
  • GM crops can increase the cost of farming and make farming more susceptible to marketization, which can lead to unethical profits. 
  • GM crops can endanger farmers, the environment, and trade. 
  • The current safety evaluations of GM crops do not capture all of the potential negative consequences of these crops. 
  • The production of GM crops poses a number of risks that need to be carefully considered before these crops are widely adopted.

Issues Regarding GM Mustard

  • GM mustard is a genetically modified crop that is resistant to herbicides. Farmers and campaigners argue that spraying hazardous chemicals on this crop will have a negative impact on the health of those who consume it. They also argue that it is not suitable for the agricultural conditions in India and is not environmentally sustainable.
  • Some environmentalists, scientists, lawmakers, farmers, consumers, and members of the higher court have questioned the necessity of GM food, as well as its safety and effectiveness.
  • The committees associated with GM mustard have highlighted major weaknesses in the regulatory system and have called for utmost caution. The members of the committee have also pointed out the deficiencies in the safety assessment of GM crops.
  • The government has not placed the full biosafety dossier of GM mustard in the public domain. The government has also claimed that it should not be considered as a herbicide-tolerant crop.

Indian Legal Framework for Genetically Modified crops 

  • The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India is the top body that authorizes the commercial release of GM crops. 
  • In 2002, the GEAC authorized the commercial release of Bt cotton. 
  • Using an unapproved GM variant can result in a five-year prison sentence and a one-lakh-rupee fine under the Environmental Protection Act of 1989. 
  • The central government has for the first time exempted certain types of genome-edited crops from the stringent regulations applicable to genetically modified or GM crops, paving the way for further research and development on them. 
  • On February 8, 2021, FSSAI issued an order setting the permissible limit for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in imported food crops at 1%.

Way Forward

To move forward responsibly with GM crops like GM mustard, we need transparent evaluation of health, environmental, and biodiversity impacts. Balancing innovation and safety through dialogue, strict safety assessments, and regulatory adherence is vital for India.

 

Sources: 

A push for GM mustard disregarding science, the law – The Hindu

Infographic Credits: The Hindu

Yojna daily current affairs eng med 21th July 2023


Q1. With reference to Genetically Modified (GM) Crops, consider the following statements: 

  1. Genetically Modified Crops are produced by naturally crossing different plant species to achieve desired traits.
  2. GM Crops involve altering the genetic material of organisms through genetic engineering techniques.
  3. GM crops are known for their ability to increase biodiversity and promote ecological balance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only 

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (c) 

 

Q2. Consider the following:

  1. Bt brinjal
  2. HtBt Cotton 
  3. DMH- 11
  4. Golden rice

How many of the abovementioned GM crops are permitted for commercial cultivation in India?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) None 

Answer: (d)

Q3. Discuss the implications of genetically modified crops in India, with a specific focus on the recent controversies surrounding Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11). 

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